Defending is Helix linebacker Rueben Leasau (15) against Grossmont's Dan Jacobs. (Photo by Linda Byerline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	Another Musket for the Scotties By Bill Dickens © East County Sports.com LA MESA (10-27-12) — No matter what the stakes may be, Helix continues to reign as the Beast of the East (County). Friday (Oct. 26) was nostalgic Musket time featuring 1952 retro jerseys and a whole week’s worth of hoopla. While appreciative of the extra attention, the Highlanders continued to bully their opponents. MICHAEL ADKINS bolted for three touchdowns on runs of 3, 4 and 8 yards as the No. 3 Highlanders (7-1, 4-0) snowballed past visiting Grossmont (7-2, 2-2), 45-14, in front of a full house in the 61st meeting for the Musket. “We were able to power up the middle,” said Adkins, who rushed for 196 yards on 25 carries. “That’s the way we’ve been all season.” Adkins credited his offensive line of KELEEM PARISH, AMU MILO, BUCK PARKS, and sophomores JAYLON KUYKENDALL and CHRISTIAN CHAVEZ for plowing over the Grossmont defensive line, creating running room for Adkins. “What we did was run power up the middle with our pulling guard,” Adkins said. “The thing about this game is everybody had input.” Dealing with Grossmont’s no huddle offense hardly hassled the Highlanders. “It hardly affected us,” said KENDALL KEYS, who grabbed an interception for the Highlanders. “We ran what we call a “muddle” defense, which is really a roaming alignment when they get set.” Not to be overlooked was the passing of Helix quarterback JOSH HARRIS, who completed 16 of 27 for 251 yards, including scoring strikes to AARON HARDIN and JALEN DAVIS. “We executed the game plan that we wanted to do,” said Harris. “And we got to be creative too.” He was talking about a 2-point conversion out of a wildcat formation where Adkins hit Keys in the endzone. “The funny thing about that is, only Michael and Kendall knew we were gonna run that play,” said Harris. The Highlanders took a 22-7 first-quarter lead after that. On replacing graduate QB BRANDON LEWIS, Harris said “Those were big shoes to fill. But I feel like I’m gaining more confidence in myself every game.” Grossmont broke Helix’ three-game shutout streak when ANTHONY LAWRENCE hit JEFF BOWERS for a pair of first half touchdowns. Grossmont broke Helix’ three-game shutout streak when ANTHONY LAWRENCE hit JEFF BOWERS for a pair of 1st half touchdowns. Bowers hauled in six balls for 131 yards, while CHRISTIAN BROOKS snagged six aerials for 58 yards and J.T. BARNES tugged in five passes for 50 yards. Lawrence connected on 21 of 42 passes for 287 yards and the two TDs. He also rushed for 12 yards on three carries.
	Grossmont receiver J.T. Barnes is wide open for the reception against Helix, while wearing the team's 1952 retro uniform. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
UNIVERSITY CITY (10-27-12) — In a hotly contested finish, University City High took a page from the playbook of San Diego State head coach Rocky Long, going for a 2-point play instead of kicking the conversion to quickly end Friday's (Oct. 26) first overtime period. The decision proved to be correct, but only by a fingertip.

On a pass-run option to the offense's right side, Christian High had everything defended perfectly to stop both choices, but a floater by Centurions quarterback Kyle LeBlanc still landed in the hands of Mitchell Provencher despite the pass getting tipped, the completion being the difference in a 32-31 overtime victory which guaranteed at least a share of the Central League title for University City.

"Yes, the defensive back got a finger on the ball and it moved a little bit," said Provencher, a junior. "But the ball still came to me and I caught it."

Besides being upset after losing in walk-off fashion in a game for the league crown, Christian was fuming over the lack of one of several potential penalties on the conversion. A linebacker was cut-blocked, a defensive lineman was tackled from behind in the open field, while at least two offensive linemen were downfield and in the light blue paint of the end zone on the pass play.

The play ruined a Patriots comeback from an early 14-0 deficit that saw the ballclub rally to finally tie it at 24-24 on MICHAEL CARRILLO'S fourth-down pass to KAI ARVAN from 12 yards with 2:27 remaining. Christian then took its only lead in the first half of overtime, needing just one play to score when Carrillo fired a 25-yard TD to a wide open PARIS MILLER, who slipped out of the backfield and took the space vacated by the wide receiver and slot back, taking the defenders with them.

However, University City answered with a 2-play scoring drive in the extra session.

Following a false start penalty, the Cents rushed for a pair of yards, then LeBlanc vaulted around the right side untouched for 28 yards. The operator of UC's 'wildcat' offense finished with 99 yards on 11 carries.

LeBlanc struck early, out-racing a defender for a 44-yard TD catch from Dominic Lewis for the game's opening score, then LeBlanc forced a fumble while on defense, with UC senior Devante Pritchett picking up the football and racing 54 yards to build a 14-0 advantage midway through the first quarter.

It took the rest of the ballgame, but Christian chipped away to get even

The Patriots immediately answered the fumble runback when Miller rumbled 49 yards for the score. Miller finished with 160 yards on 19 carries, while RAYVON OWENS posted 128 yards on 16 rushes as part of 326 yards on the ground by Christian.

In the second quarter, the Centurions missed wide on a 41-yard field goal attempt, but Christian kicker MASON POWELL converted with his 31-yard boot to close within 14-10 at the intermission.

UC's Jordan Tatro carried in from the 3 to cap a 60-yard scoring drive to open the second half. But on the team's next possession, Christian linebacker DYLAN JOHNSON recovered a fumble, setting up a Carrillo sneak from the UC-1 to cap a short, 23-yard drive.

University City added a fourth-quarter field goal, but Christian answered by marching 78 yards over a 5:23 span, converting three straight third downs to keep the drive alive before Carrillo connected on a fourth-down play.

Unknown to the public, the last few minutes were played without Christian head coach MATT OLIVER on the sideline.

Oliver received a technical ejection as the person "of responsibility" when one of the Patriots coaches and the head linesman collided during a play. The official claimed the coach was on the playing field - a point vehemently denied by the visiting team. The same official also made a similar call after UC scored its overtime touchdown, but the referee waved off the infraction.

The officiating crew also suffered a (long) list ofblunders, placing the ball at the 20 (instead the 25) for UC in the overtime, mis-placing the ball following a missed field goal, but the mistake which most influenced the game was the lack of any penalty calls when the Cents had illegal motion while in the wildcat on more than a half-dozen plays.

The problem became so bad that a supervisor of officials needed to go onto the field during deadball situations to inform them of the proper rule.

Christian also questioned the assignment of such a young, inexperienced crew to work a game being played for a league title. They were told, with media present, that the crew was officially reprimanded, and that the supervisor would contact the CIF San Diego Section office when it reopens on Monday to aid in overturning the automatic 1-game suspension to Oliver for the ejection.

Despite the difficult setback, Christian can still forge a 3-way tie for first place if they defeat last-place Crawford next week, and Clairemont can top University City on the final week of the regular season. Either way, UC clinched its first league title since 1988.

Valhalla linebacker Ryan Ernsbarger (51) busts through the line, forcing a fumble (click photo for next in the series) to help defeat Steele Canyon. (Photos by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By David Hurst
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (10-27-12)— In the annual Battle for the Jamacha Helmet, Valhalla (6-3, 3-1 GHL) stopped Steele Canyon (3-5-1, 2-2 GHL) for the first time since taking the inaugural contest for the trophy, 35-21, Friday night (Oct. 26) in front of 1,200 fans at Valhalla.

“These seniors haven’t beaten Steele Canyon in their high school career so sending them off with a win was really important to me and I’m glad they had the opportunity,” said Norsemen coach CHARLES BUSSEY.

Valhalla head coach Charles Bussey holding his first Jamacha Helmet. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

With the game tied at 21-21 and Steele Canyon facing a 3rd and 19 near midfield, Cougars quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE was flushed out the pocket, rolled right and threw the second of his five interceptions into the arms of Brown. On the runback, Brown weaved through would-be tacklers to his own 36 where he was met by a wall of Cougar defenders. So Brown then lateraled the football to Elder, who reversed field and was led by a convoy of blockers untouched into the end zone, right index finger held high, confirming the play of the year for Norsemen.

“Me and Sowell just have good chemistry, on my way down he was yelling ‘give me the ball’ so I pitched it to him, after that the game was over,” said Brown on the go-ahead score with 10:45 remaining.

Norsemen quarterback RAMSEY ROMANO put the finishing touches on the win with a 45-yard pass to JOHN TODD with 5:23 left. Romano finished 17-for-32, for 280 yards and two touchdowns with a pair of interceptions.

The momentum belonged to Steele Canyon early. The Cougars jumped on top 14-0 following a pair of Andrade touchdowns passes – the first a 17-yard touchdown pass to RICKY FRANCIS on the opening drive followed by a 65-yard touchdown pass to LAWRENCE DICKENS.

“We’ve had a problem all season coming out slow. We can’t go into the playoffs doing that,” said Bussey.

The Norsemen answered on the first play of their next drive when Romano faked a dive, turned upfield on the option keeper and ran untouched 79 yards for Vahalla’s first touchdown with 5:08 left in the first quarter.

“Things just swung (on that play), he’s a heck of a football player, I don’t think any lead is safe with him back there at quarterback,” said Cougars head coach SCOTT LONGERBONE.

Neither team scored in the second quarter with Vahalla being victimized by a series of untimely penalties. A 40-yard catch by Todd was negated by a chop block infraction that took the ball from the Cougars 1-yard line all the way back to the Norsemen 35. On the next possession BEN HOWARD scored on a 26-yard pass from Romano, but Howard was ruled out of bounds before catching the ball, taking more points off the board.

Vahalla’s final possession of the first half ended with EAN HENDRICKSON’S 28-yard field goal attempt getting blocked by BRANDON HOWARD to keep the game locked at 14-all at the break.

Zach Vance reaches high to make the reception for Steele Canyon in Friday's game with Valhalla. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

Then Valhalla got cold with Romano throwing back-to-back interceptions, getting picked by NATHAN MURRAY and TIMOTHY TYLER. Tyler’s interception set the Cougars up at midfield and momentum on their side. Then came the Brown pick and lateral to Elder.

“The defense wanted to make a play and they did. I’m on the sideline saying ‘what are you doing, oh!’” said Bussey. The Norsemen defense finished with 4 sacks and 5 interceptions, 3 in the 4th quarter by SPENCER HAVIRD.

“I hope the people that decides who makes these decisions (for post-season awards) rewards the teams that play the tough schedule other than these teams that don’t. We’ve been in four out of our five losses. We have to just go out there and beat Helix,” said Longerbone.

— DAVID HURST

EL CAPITAN 54, EL CAJON VALLEY 14 – El Capitan High head coach RON BURNER knows his Vaqueros have to do two things if they want to be playing in the San Diego Section playoffs in November.

First, El Capitan (3-5, 1-1) must take care of El Cajon Valley (3-5, 0-2). Second, they must take down Mount Miguel the following week. After Friday's (Oct. 26) tussle in Lakeside, only one task remains.

El Capitan pulled out the whipping stick early and often. The scoreboard read 54-14, but it wasn't that close. Sophomore running back DJ SMITH apparently isn't fond of being tackled. Smith punished the Braves with a 28-yard TD run on the first drive and he was just getting started.

After converting on a short 4th down, Smith added on a 35-yard TD romp on the second drive. Smith; who spent his freshman year at Cathedral Catholic, has come back home to play with his friends. Boy, are they glad he did. Smith was quick to spread the credit around.

"The offensive line was opening some huge holes,” he said. “We thought we could run at them early and the coaches put us in good situations to succeed".

Coach Burner echoed his young running back. "There were some things on tape we thought we could exploit. El Cajon Valley likes to blitz and we thought if we could break that first wave, some big runs might be there".

They were.

The Vaqueros aren't limited to the run game either. Sophomore quarterback BRAD CAGLE figured Smith was having all the fun and decided to join in. He dialed up junior wideout DILLON RETTIG on a 48-yard catch and run and El Cap was quickly up 20-7. Cagle finished with 132 yards passing and 2 TD's.

El Capitan had 8 drives in the first half, scoring 7 touchdowns. DAMON DONAHOO had a 44 yard romp on the next drive. Cagle scored on a QB sneak on the next possession. Cagle next found fellow sophomore JOE LaCHAPPA for 5 yards and a touchdown.

With 11 seconds left in the half; and following a WYATT ALVAREZ interception, DJ Smith decided to visit the end zone a third time, and 44 yards later it was 47-14 at the half. Smith finished the night with 148 yards on just 15 carries. In the first half El Capitan ’s DAMON DONAHOO had a 50-yard punt return for a TD to finish off the Vaquero scoring.

El Cajon Valley's lone bright spot was VIRNEL MOON. He scored on a run of 4 yards for their first score. Later; with the game still undecided, Moon took the kickoff at his own 10-yard line. He dodged would-be tacklers and weaved his way 90 yards to the end zone and closed the gap to 20-14.

Might this game still be in question? Vaqueros senior linebacker BRAD HOLLEY would provide the answer. On the next El Cajon Valley drive, Holley sacked quarterback HAKIM HARRIS on 3rd and 14.

The next 34 points and the game belonged to the Vaqueros.

Next week's Mount Miguel game now stands between El Capitan and a playoff berth.

— MARK MEADOWS

Junior Varsity Results

Week 9 Christian 28, University City 7 Steele Canyon 29, Valhalla 14 El Capitan 44, El Cajon Valley 6 West Hills 42, Granite Hills 7 Helix 56, Grossmont 7 Monte Vista 20, Santana 0 Bonita Vista 42, Mount Miguel 0

GHL: Helix 7-1 (4-0), West Hills 8-1 (3-1), Steele Canyon 6-3 (3-1), Grossmont 5-3-1 (2-2), Valhalla 2-6-1 (0-4), Granite Hills 2-7 (0-4). GVL: El Capitan 7-2 (3-0), Monte Vista 7-1 (2-1), Mount Miguel (N/A, 2-1), Santana 3-6 (1-3), ECVHS 0-6 (0-3). Others: Christian 7-1 (3-0).

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Freshmen Results

Week 9 Granite Hills 27, West Hills 21 Helix 58, Grosmsont 14 El Capitan 32, ECVHS 12 Santana 34, Monte Vista 21 Steele Canyon 29, Valhalla 14

GHL: Helix 7-1 (4-0), Valhalla 5-3 (3-1), Steele Canyon 2-7 (2-2), Granite Hills 5-3-1 (2-2), Grossmont 3-6 (1-3), West Hills 3-6 (0-4). GVL: Santana 6-3 (4-0), Monte Vista 3-3-1 (1-1-1), ECVHS 0-3 (0-2), El Capitan and Mount Miguel are incomplete.

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That is exactly what happened as JESSE BISBAL would fumble the ball on the first play of the Eagle drive. Three plays later running back ERIC SEABOCH pounded the ball in the end zone from 3 yards out – 7-0 Pack with 10:49 left early in the first quarter.

West Hills would continue to dominate for the remainder of the contest leading 21-7 at intermission.

Granite Hills put together an impressive 7-play, 92-yard drive in the 4th quarter engineered by quarterback CHRIS MEREDITH, who would finish with an impressive 14-17 for 73 yards and a touchdown, but it was too late.

The West Hills defense made key stops, and the Pack offense was moving the ball quickly and steadily, both on the ground and in the air, to finish off the Eagles. West Hills would finish with 255 yards on the ground, led by the "Bulldog" Seaboch who finished with 19 carries for 114 yards and 4 touchdowns.

A surgical strike was led by the Pack’s gunslinger RASHAAN MILLER, who was 9-11 for 126 yards passing and two touchdowns, not to mention a Tebow-like night with 4 rushes for 65 yards.

"The game plan was to get our running game back on track," head coach TAY SNEDDON explained. "Our offensive line has been banged up the last few weeks, not that that's an excuse, but our offensive line played tremendous, and it was nice to get our center back this week."

The Pack is 6-3, 1-3 in the Grossmont Hills League – over .500 overall for the first time since 2007, and face a tough opponent in the Foothillers of Grossmont High next week.

"I’m excited about this team, and have explained to them that (if) we get in the playoffs, anything can happen, and that is what this league prepares you for," added Sneddon.

– DAVE DICKENS

MOUNT MIGUEL 43, BONITA VISTA 19 – The visiting Matadors (5-4, 3-0), one victory away from wrapping up exclusive rights to the Grossmont Valley League championship, showcased a new face in their offensive backfield for Friday’s (Oct. 26) non-league engagement against the Barons at Eastlake.

Junior BEN LOMIBAO, moving over from his normal starting safety spot, made a magical debut carrying the football. He scored on runs of 20, 3, 4 and 22 yards as Mount Miguel won its fourth straight game. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Lomibao rushed for 150 yards on 24 carries.

“We have a great offensive line,” Mount Miguel coach SHAUN McDADE said.

Quarterback BRAD MORENO passed for 143 yards including a scoring strike to RASHAD HARPER. Moreno clicked on 10 of 16 aerials.

“Brad is pretty dialed in right now,” said McDade.

On the defensive side, Mount Miguel received some ball-hawking from DEVAUGHN MURRAY who returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown. It was the second “Pick-Six” for Murray this season. He would have had a second theft-and-score in this game had it not been nullified by a penalty.

Murray also recorded 9 tackles and recovered a fumble.

Linebacker SONNY SAMOATA notched 8 tackles and tackle EDWARD HERNANDEZ anchored the Mount Miguel defense.

MONTE VISTA 41, SANTANA 7 – The score was misleading as the Monarchs led host Santana only 14-0 after three quarters in Friday’s (Oct. 26) Grossmont Valley League encounter.

A 27-point Monte Vista 4th quarter turned the game into a blowout.

Monte Vista (5-4, 2-1 GVL) needs a season-ending victory over El Cajon Valley (3-6, 0-3 GVL) next Friday as the Monarchs celebrate homecoming with hopes of Mount Miguel losing to El Capitan the same night.

“It’s good to be playing for something the last game of the season,” said Monarchs coach RON HAMAMOTO. “Our kids are already talking about the playoffs.”

Postseason play is something Monte Vista hasn’t been involved in since 2008.

Hard-charging JEMIEL JACKSON stormed for a career-best 211 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries to lead the Monarchs. JAQUI MORRIS added 66 yards and a score on two carries.

Monte Vista quarterback THOMAS WALKER made the most of 8 yards and scored a touchdown.

“We’re improved for a combination of things,” Hamamoto said. “The kids are learning a new system and are finally feeling good about themselves.”

Santana avoided a shutout when JARETH RAYMOND scored on a 36-yard run in the 4th quarter. Raymond finished with 152 yards on 20 carries for the Sultans (1-8, 1-3 GVL).

Santana’s TYLER BROWN returned 5 kickoffs for 125 yards and caught 3 passes for 5 yards.

SAN PASQUAL ACADEMY 20, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 15 – La Mesa’s Junior Seau Field proved to be an exciting place to watch football Friday night (Oct. 26). The Foothills Christian Knights and the San Pasqual Academy Dragons squared off in a non-league battle that most thought would be a runaway for the visiting team.

Foothills Christian kicked off to start the game and held the Dragons on their drive and first possession which ended in a takeaway deep in their own territory. With a couple of defensive stands for both teams, San Pasqual scored on an 11-play drive to take the lead 6-0 with a failed 2-point conversion.

The Knights returned the ensuing kickoff to the 50 and mounted their own drive in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from SPENCER GEORGE to LORO TOMBE for 6 points. With the extra point the Knights took a one point lead.

After a couple of traded punts, San Pasqual took the ball from their own 38 yard line to within the Knights’ 5-yard line for a first down. The Knights held on for the next four plays and took over on their own 1-foot line to end the half.

After the homecoming halftime, San Pasqual Academy received the kickoff and took over at their own 31-yard line, scoring on a quarterback keeper to take the lead 12-7 after failing on the 2-point conversion.

The Knights punted on their next possession to the San Pasqual 7. The Dragons drove to their 25 and threw a deep pass to the middle of the field that was wrestled away for an interception by George. The Knights then orchestrated a solid drive combining on a couple of passes and long runs by KYLE MOBERG, resulting in a touchdown and 2 point to take the lead 15-12 with 3 minutes left in the game.

San Pasqual took the ball at their own 21 and three long pass plays later, found the end zone to make the score 18-15, again making the 2 point conversion to make it 20-15.

The Knights took the kickoff to their 38 where George and Moberg combined on a few long runs to take the ball to the 14-yard line with 31 seconds left in the game. Using their final time out, George returned to the huddle and completed a pass to MARK SWITZER to the 3. Unable to get out of bounds to stop the clock, George and Moberg combined valiantly on the last play with 7 seconds left, falling 1 yard short of the end zone.

Wall of Green

The line play of the third-ranked Helix Highlanders keyed the Scotties to yet another Grossmont Hills League crown, keeping The Musket in a 45-14 win over Grossmont. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

What's under the jersey matters most
Hillers-Highlanders battle for The Musket

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (10-25-12) — When Grossmont and Helix high schools collide in football, it’s a big deal in East County. Oh yeah, alumni flock from both sides and this time the teams will be wearing 1952 retro jerseys.

The Foothillers, who have lost only one of eight games are an offensive powerhouse led by junior quarterback ANTHONY LAWRENCE (169-247, 2155, 21 TDs) and receivers JEFF BOWERS (39-598, 8 TDs), CHRISTIAN BROOKS (34-61, 4 TDs), J.T. BARNES (34-293, 3 TDs), BRETT STONE (32-468, 4 TDs).

While the aerial game is Grossmont’s, Helix (6-1, 3-0 GHL) counts on the running game of MICHAEL ADKINS (115-769, 11 TDs) and a defense anchored by AMU MILO and MARQUISE POWELL.

So this game should turn into a high scoring affair.

This is the 61st annual battle for The Musket between these two teams. Last year the Highlanders won the annual showdown for the Civil War rifle for the 28th time since 1979... Helix 38-21.

STEELE CANYON at No. 13 VALHALLA – Whether this game will determine the Grossmont Hills League championship is highly unlikely. It is, however, a battle for the Jamacha Helmet.

Arguably Steele Canyon has played the toughest competition, thus leaving the Cougars in a battle for a playoff spot.

On the other end Valhalla (5-3, 2-1 GHL) blew out Grossmont 39-28 last week. The Norsemen’s East County passing leader RAMSEY ROMANO (2541 yards, 24 TDs) will challenge Steele Canyon’s secondary with receivers BRYAN MACIAS (48-468 TDs), KEVIN MILLS (34-363, 2 TDs) and BEN HOWARD (33-733, 9 TDs).

The Cougars (3-4-1, 2-1 GHL) count on running back LONNIE TUFF (107-494 TDs) and quarterback BRANDON ANDRADE (1889, 18 TDs) to lead them for the upset.

Based on their schedule, the nod goes to... Steele Canyon 21-17.

CHRISTIAN at UNIVERSITY CITY, 6:30 p.m. – The San Diego CIF Division V champion Christian High Patriots (6-2, 2-0) are closing in on winning the Central League championship Friday night (Oct. 26) against No. 1 challenger University City (4-4, 2-0 CL) at 6:30.

One thing about Christian (6-2, 2-0 CL) is the Patriots know how to score points. They’ve scored 28 or more five times, and nothing less than 20.

Considering University City is averaging more than 30 points per game, a shootout should be expected Friday night (Oct. 26) in a game that should decide the Central League title.

The Patriots are a double threat. The strength of the team is the running game led by RAYVON OWENS (151-965, 13 TDs) and PARIS MILLER (84-742, 4 TDs). Not to be overlooked is the passing of MICHAEL CARRILLO (1164 yards, 11 TDs) and receiver PHILLIP GEORGE (32-422, 5 TDs).

University City also has a bona fide quarterback in sophomore Dominic Lewis, who has passed for 708 yards and 8 touchdowns.

So should this be a high scoring game?... Christian 38-28.

WEST HILLS at GRANITE HILLS – Although neither team would like to admit it, this is the escape from the cellar of the Grossmont Hills League when these clubs cross sabers Friday night (Oct. 26) at Valley Stadium.

After a 5-0 start, the Wolf Pack (5-3, 0-3 GHL) has dropped three straight decisions, but hope to pick up the pace behind the leadership of ERIC SEABOCH (118-604, 8 TDs), and the passing of RASHAAN MILLER (8-73 TDs).

Granite Hills (1-7, 0-3 GHL) is also riding a three game losing streak and has been outscored 141-14 in its last three outings. Injuries have dotted the Granite Hills roster so the Eagles really don’t have one player they can count on to lead the offense.

The last four games in this series were a 2-2 split with the Wolf Pack winning 45-23 a year ago. It probably won’t be that close this time... West Hills 31-14.

Monte Vista (4-4, 1-1 GVL) counts on a grinding running game shared by JEMEIL JACKSON (74-515, 8 TDs), SHAWN MORALES (72-504, 6 TDs) and ERIC COLLINS (84-287, 2 TDs).

The Monarchs, who struggled offensively early on, have scored 73 points in their last two games.

Santana (1-7, 1-2 GVL) counts on the BROWNING brothers – receivers TYLER (40-505, 4 TDs) and RYAN (11-146, 1 TD) – and running back JARETH RAYMOND (79-350, 1 TD). The question for Santana is whether or not the Sultans can stuff the Monte Vista running game. That’s highly unlikely.

Santana has buried Monte Vista the last two years by a combined score of 69-8. That won’t happen this time. It’s the Monarchs’ turn... Monte Vista 28-14.

EL CAJON VALLEY at EL CAPITAN – The up-and-down Vaqueros have a slim chance to capture a fourth straight Grossmont Valley League title when they entertain the Braves Friday night (Oct. 26) in Lakeside.

El Cajon Valley (3-5, 0-2 GVL) won three of its first four games but has since hit the skids with four straight losses. But this is a team with a lot of skill players, led by VIRNEL MOON, but lack depth.

El Capitan (3-5, 1-1 GVL) has won 12 of their last 14 meetings, including 21-7 last year against the Braves. The key for the Vaqueros is sophomore quarterback BRAD CAGLE and East County ’s leading receiver SCOTT ROOT (42-794, 5 TDs).

This will probably be one of the closest games of the night although El Capitan leads the all-time series 41-9-3... El Capitan 27-20.

MOUNT MIGUEL (4-4, 3-0) vs. BONITA VISTA (2-6, 0-3) at Eastlake – The Matadors (4-4) will show a new look in this Friday’s (Oct. 26) non-league game but they don’t feel compelled to expose their intentions.

Mount Miguel, which has claimed at least a share of the Grossmont Valley League title, has struggled in the past against Bonita Vista, losing the last four straight in the series.

While the Barons (2-6) prefer to pass, the Matadors favor the run. Although this game has very little bearing on the playoffs, the nod will go to... Mount Miguel 33-17.

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN vs. SAN PASQUAL ACADEMY at Junior Seau Field – Considering Foothills Christian (3-4, 0-3) has been outscored 133-6 in its last three Manzanita League games, the Knights do not figure to be much of a match Friday (Oct. 26) for non-league foe San Pasqual Academy (5-2)... San Pasqual Academy 30-12.